Chief Executive Director

Chief Executive Director

position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the organization and is responsible for providing visionary and strategic leadership, overseeing daily operations, ensuring financial sustainability, building and maintaining strategic partnerships in agriculture and livestock industries and throughout the sheep industry while advancing the mission, vision, and goals of the organization. Tasked with setting the vision, developing strategic goals, and ensuring operational efficiency, the Executive Director is a dynamic leader who balances risk, innovation, and stakeholder interests for the overall success, growth, and sustainability of the organization. This role requires exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills, as the Executive Director becomes both the public face and the driving force behind the organization’s endeavors.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide overall vision, leadership, and strategic direction to advance the mission, goals, and long-term sustainability of the organization.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to support governance, policy development, strategic planning, and informed decision-making.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate programs, services, and initiatives that support education, advocacy, and industry advancement.
• Lead financial planning and oversight, including budget development, financial accountability, fundraising, grants, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Build, lead, and retain a high-performing staff and volunteer structure, fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable organizational culture.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the organization, representing its interests to members, partners, policymakers, and the public.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, funders, industry partners, affiliates, and other agricultural organizations.
• Monitor policy, legislative, and regulatory developments impacting the sheep and livestock industries and guide advocacy efforts accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, funding, and organizational requirements, including board-approved policies and bylaws.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in agriculture, nonprofit management, business administration, public policy, or related field preferred.
• Extensive leadership experience, ideally in nonprofit or relevant organizations.
• Prefer an agricultural background and strong knowledge of the livestock industry. In-depth understanding of market dynamics, policy, competition, and regulatory frameworks within the livestock sector preferred.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fundraising, grant management, financial management, and staff leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders and government officials.
• Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and lead teams in collaboration in achieving organizational goals.
• Proven background of integrity and ethical decision-making.
• Demonstrated vision, strategy and growth experience.
• Financial acumen (P&L, budget, forecast, resources etc.).
• Demonstrated global leadership experience, ideally in a complex, virtual and matrix environment leading large multi-functional teams.

Location: Denver, CO

Job Type: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Salaried, Exempt

Travel Required: 50%